Ugh, this pause hasn’t been just simple laziness. I am going through a serious blog-block and have a terrible feeling I have nothing to say that might be of any interest to anyone….
Having an opinion has lately become some kind of a burden.
Since past few moths, I am working as editor for the book section of The Vienna Review called – The Vienna Review of Books. I have diligently started writing reviews of books and readings. Strong on my opinions as I am, yesterday I received a first e-mail by an offended writer. The problem was not only that this book was full of stuff I didn’t really like – this writer was also very pushy and annoying. Lesson: learn to let go, because by pushing too much you might create a negative effect.
On one hand, I was sorry about him. On the other hand I thought – that’s the nature of it. The moment you do something publicly, you have to be able to cope with criticism. I have experienced it myself. I remember the first negative review of Barbie. When I started reading it, my heart stopped beating. But very soon I relaxed, thinking that this was just another experience you have to make as a writer. And every experience is important.
It is strange writing reviews of other people’s writing when you are a writer yourself….
Anyway, I will not give up – check this space for more bitching about bad books!
Tags: Commentary, Literature, Personal
just out of curiosity: “having something to say”, what do you think would qualify for that?
In this context, “Having something to say” is whatever you really badly want to say. If it is right or wrong, interesting or not and if anybody wants to hear about it… well, that is a different question….
well whatever you really badly want to say, there are people here who like to listen. (in answer to your concern that you “have nothing to say that might be of any interest to anyone….”)